Welcome to our new weekly feature article about great state-wide activities for Seniors and their families.
Cooler temperatures have arrived across much of Arizona, and this weekend offers a strong lineup of art festivals, small-town celebrations, antique shopping and classic county fairs. Here are seven worthwhile outings around the state, listed alphabetically by city or town, plus nearby attractions to round out the trip.
Please note: Event dates, hours, prices and details can change without notice, especially for community-run events and outdoor festivals affected by weather. Before you go, confirm all information directly with the event organizer or official website. This guide is for general information only, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of third-party schedules.
Camp Verde: 70th Annual Fort Verde Days
When: Saturday, October 10, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the parade on Main Street at 10 a.m.; Sunday, October 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Downtown Camp Verde and Fort Verde State Historic Park
Cost: Free parking in downtown lots and on the street, first come, first served. Past events have included free Saturday admission to Fort Verde State Historic Park, with historical reenactors.
For 70 years, Fort Verde Days has served as Camp Verde’s homecoming celebration, honoring the frontier military post the town grew around. Expect a Saturday parade, food and craft vendors, live entertainment and an indoor quilt show. Pets are not allowed; service animals only.
While you’re there: Montezuma Castle National Monument, with its short, level paved trail, as well as Montezuma Well and Out of Africa Wildlife Park.
Patagonia: Patagonia Fall Festival
When: Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11; listed hours are Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Patagonia Town Park, McKeown Avenue
Cost: Admission has been free in past years; food, drinks and purchases are pay-as-you-go
A beloved tradition since 1988, this shaded festival draws more than 15,000 visitors each year. Stroll past more than 120 artisan booths beneath the cottonwoods while enjoying live music, local food and wine in one of southern Arizona’s most charming small towns.
While you’re there: Patagonia Lake State Park, the Paton Center for Hummingbirds, and the wineries of Sonoita and Elgin just a few miles north.
Phoenix: Arizona State Fair
When: Thursdays through Sundays through November 1. Gates open at noon; last entry is 9 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Where: Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix
Cost: Seniors (62+) $14; adults $20; military and first responders with ID $12. Official parking is $25, or use the free park-and-ride lot at Phoenix College.
The 142nd Arizona State Fair offers classic fair food, livestock shows, exhibits and live entertainment. Seniors who prefer a slower pace can enjoy the agricultural barns and exhibit halls. Clear bags are recommended for faster entry, and leashed service dogs are welcome.
While you’re there: The Heard Museum and Phoenix Art Museum are a short drive east on Central Avenue.
Prescott: Prescott Antique Show and Vintage Market
When: Friday, October 9, beginning at noon, through Saturday, October 10, closing at 3 p.m.
Where: Prescott Rodeo Grounds, 840 Rodeo Drive
Cost: 2026 pricing has not been posted. Last year, Friday early-bird entry was $15 and general admission was $10.
Collectors will find antiques, vintage jewelry, china, Americana, furniture, lighting and automotive memorabilia across indoor and outdoor areas. The show is a nonprofit event, with funds raised going to local historic preservation projects.
While you’re there: Cortez Street’s antique and vintage shops are just around the corner, and Courthouse Square, Whiskey Row and the Sharlot Hall Museum are a few blocks away.
Safford: Graham County Fair
When: October 9 through 12
Where: Graham County Fairgrounds, 527 Armory Road, Safford
Cost: Contact Graham County Parks and Fair at 928-428-7180 for admission prices
Celebrating its 99th year, eastern Arizona’s biggest celebration is an old-fashioned county fair with livestock, homegrown products, crafts and a parade.
While you’re there: Roper Lake State Park and its natural hot spring tub, the scenic Swift Trail drive up Mount Graham, and the Graham County Historical Society Museum.
Sedona: Sedona Arts Festival
When: Saturday, October 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, October 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Sedona Red Rock High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, West Sedona
Cost: $15 weekend admission; children 12 and under free
Now in its 35th year, Sedona’s oldest and largest arts event brings more than 100 juried artists from around the country to the red rocks. Visitors will find glass, painting, metalwork, woodworking, photography, ceramics and more, along with live music and food trucks. Proceeds support local arts education. The venue offers ample parking with transportation right to the front gate, which makes it an easy outing for those with limited mobility. The grounds are smoke-free, and only service animals are permitted.
While you’re there: Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and a relaxing drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179). The Pocket Fire is fully contained, but some trails, recreation sites and portions of Oak Creek remain closed, so check current conditions before planning outdoor stops.
Sedona: Wings and Wheels ‘26 at Sedona Airport
When: Saturday, October 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Sedona Airport, 235 Air Terminal Drive, atop Tabletop Mesa
Cost: Free parking; admission is a non-perishable food item or a $2 donation per person, benefiting the Sedona Community Food Bank
This longtime community open house features vintage airplanes, historic warbirds and modern aircraft on display, along with the Sedona Car Club Show, which spotlights classic MOPAR vehicles this year. Scenic airplane and helicopter rides over the red rocks are available for an additional fee. Local vendors and food trucks operate all day. For details, call (928) 282-4487.
While you’re there: The Airport Mesa overlook is one of Sedona’s best sunset viewpoints, and the Sedona Arts Festival is about 10 minutes away.
Before You Go
Dates, times, admission prices and event details listed here were gathered from organizer websites and public event listings and are subject to change. Some events had not yet posted final 2026 details at the time of publication. Always verify information with the event organizer before traveling, and check local weather and road conditions, especially for outdoor events and trips to higher elevations.